Key Largo Snorkeling Tour Review: My Experience at John Pennekamp Reef

About Florida’s Barrier Reef

I recently heard Florida’s reef is the third largest barrier (not simply coral) reef! Now, I’ve done some Google searching (call it trust issues) and the Bahamas are claiming third largest though another site says the Florida reef is larger.

I’m sure you know the Great Barrier Reef is the largest, but the second largest barrier reef in the world is in Central America. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. It stretches from Mexico to Belize!

Florida’s reef is far larger than I ever knew!

The Florida reef is considered the second largest barrier reef on this side of the world and the only living reef in the continental USA.

So you might have noticed, I said barrier and not just coral reef and I said continental U.S. because Hawaii has reefs! Either way, Florida’s reef is larger than I ever knew!

The Florida Keys

Florida has miles on miles of sandy beaches to choose from, but the Florida Keys does not have much beach to offer, making it more of a boating destination. This is important to know, because snorkeling off the beach like I did in Fiji isn’t really an option here.

Yes, you could try and there are places like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park that rent out snorkeling gear and have a small beach. However, if you can’t book a tour or charter a boat to visit the reef, I’d recommend paddle boarding or kayaking the mangroves at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

The Florida reef is a barrier reef and not a fringing reef, so you need a boat to see it.

The Florida reef is a barrier reef and not a fringing reef. On my tour, the boat took about thirty minutes to get to the reef. It’s not far, but not something you can swim to either.

Why a Key Largo Snorkeling Trip?

A Key Largo snorkeling trip is one of the easiest ways to experience the Florida Reef, the only living coral reef system in the continental United States. Since the reef sits offshore, booking a guided snorkeling tour is the most practical option if you don’t have your own boat.

Why Key Largo?

One of the biggest advantages of snorkeling in Key Largo is its location. It’s about 1.5 hours by car from Miami, so a Key Largo snorkeling tour is one of the easiest day trips from Miami. Compared to the nearly four-hour drive to Key West, Key Largo offers access to the reef without spending half the day in the car.

Another reason Key Largo stands out is its proximity to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, home to the famous Christ of the Abyss statue. This iconic underwater site is one of the most well-known snorkeling locations in Florida and a highlight of many tours.

Finally, the reef sites near Key Largo are relatively close to shore. Most snorkeling boats reach the reef in about 30 minutes, meaning more time in the water and less time traveling.

→ Book Key Largo Two Reef Snorkel Tour – All Snorkel Equipment Included!

Key Largo Snorkeling Tour Review (What’s Included & What I Loved)

What I Loved About This Tour

This tour was very well run and organized. It allowed plenty of time to explore the reef at two different locations, which is exactly what I was looking for on a Key Largo snorkeling trip. They provided everything you need and more!

The snorkeling tour I did is run by Silent World Dive Center, a well-established operator in Key Largo. If you need advice on how to snorkel, they will help you. Masks were sprayed with anti-fog before each snorkel. And there were pool noodles for anyone who wanted a little extra flotation for snorkeling.

What This Key Largo Snorkeling Tour Includes:

• Mask, Snorkel, and Fins!
• Reef Safe Sunscreen.
• Bathrooms at the check-in site.
• Showers at the check-in site so you have the option to rinse off and change when you return from the tour.
• Various types of snack chips on the boat.
• Sodas of various flavors on the boat.
• If you want to keep your own water or drinks cold, you can use the cooler also!
• A water station on the boat with little cups to use or you can fill your water bottle.
• Pool noodles were available for anyone who wanted a little help while snorkeling.
• Safety vests.

What You Should Know Before Your Key Largo Snorkeling Trip

If you are prone to sea or motion sickness, definitely take something before you go! I have gotten sick a couple times in my life, and been completely fine other times. One of the times I got sea sick was in the Keys actually, but I never bothered going to the store for medicine.

Was I okay on this Key Largo snorkeling tour? Thankfully, yes! However, there were others who were not okay. I didn’t see anyone vomit, so that’s a plus! But the conditions weren’t easy, which brings me to my next point!

The waves on this Key Largo snorkeling tour were actually a factor! While swimming at the statue area, I couldn’t believe the swell, so you need to know how to swim! The reef is not shallow and you have nowhere to just stand up if you need (though you shouldn’t stand on a reef, but if your life depended on it, okay).

If you aren’t a super strong swimmer, they offer pool noodles, but overall, I’d suggest being at minimum a decent swimmer before even attempting this tour. Assuming no storms are making conditions crazy, the mornings are generally much calmer. I did go in the afternoon, so consider a morning tour to increase your chances of calmer waters.

• Take motion sickness medicine if prone.
• Tour conditions can be rough; waves and swell may be strong.
• Reef is deep — no standing room; pool noodles available.
• Minimum decent swimming skills recommended.
• Mornings are usually calmer; afternoon tours may be bumpier.

What Gear You Need to Snorkel in Key Largo

Since the snorkel tour in Key Largo provides all the actual snorkeling essentials, you won’t need much!

I suggest bringing a long sleeve shirt or rash guard and a hat to help with sun protection! If you want to take photos or videos, bring a waterproof camera, or if you want to use your phone, bring a waterproof case. I’ve linked the one I use, but be sure to read whether it will fit your phone. Most negative reviews are people saying it didn’t fit their phone.

I took my dry bag, but any beach bag would be fine. Lastly, bring a towel. Oh and if you want to shower off and change clothes after the tour, bring extra clothes.

→ My Underwater Phone Case

What to bring snorkeling in Key Largo:

• Bring long sleeve shirt or rashguard and hat for sun protection.
• Bring a waterproof camera or phone case for photos/videos.
• Dry bag or beach bag recommended.
• Bring a towel and extra clothes if you plan to shower/change after the tour.

My Key Largo Snorkeling Trip Experience

I really enjoyed this Key Largo snorkeling tour! The whole experience was positive and the tour was professionally run. I go through all the details in my Key Largo Snorkeling tour review, so you can know exactly what to expect!

Booking Process

I booked this Key Largo snorkel tour on Viator: Key Largo Two Reef Snorkel Tour – All Snorkel Equipment Included! I had waited until the day before to book, and while it was just me, only the afternoon time was available.

The tour is run by Silent World Dive Center, so if you are interested in diving, they should be able to accommodate. I say “should” because though I read reviews that said there were divers on the tours, there were only snorkelers on my trip.

My tour started at 2:15PM and I wasn’t clear on whether that was the time to arrive, so I arrived a bit early to be safe. Well, it was the time to arrive, so no need to be early. I checked in and was given the run down.

There are bathrooms at their location, and showers for when you return if you want to rinse off. I really appreciated the tents with the misters to keep you cool! They also have stations with reef safe sunscreen.

I think this is such a great thing to do, as everything possible should be done to protect the reef (which is in need of care!). So I lathered up, then got fitted for fins. I had brought my own mask and snorkel, but typically you would also grab the rest of the gear from them as it’s all included in your tour!

When I told her I had my own mask, she asked if it was full face. I don’t have a full face one, but I’m guessing there might be an issue with that style, so if that’s what you have, I’d suggest calling ahead or being prepared to use one of their masks.

As I waited for the tour to start, I met a Parisian couple and enjoyed talking with them. There were people from all over the world which is one of the things I love about traveling. And one of the things I love about living in Florida.

→ Book Key Largo Two Reef Snorkel Tour – All Snorkel Equipment Included!

Key Largo Snorkeling Trip

The boat arrived and we were soon boarding. The majority of the boat is under a covering which is great because the Florida sun is no joke! The Key Largo snorkeling tour also provides snacks and sodas, which was a nice perk. And they had a water station as well!

Christ of the Abyss Statue

The boat took us to the part of the reef with the Christ of the Abyss statue first. This is a popular spot with plenty of other tours around as well, but it didn’t feel crazy crowded. There is a buoy marking the area where you would find the statue. Despite the buoy, it took me a couple minutes to finally locate it.

After snapping photos, I continued exploring the reef. The tour gave us about forty minutes which was plenty of time to enjoy and explore.

Horseshoe Reef

After finishing up at the statue, we went to Horseshoe Reef which wasn’t far! According to the captain, it’s called that because it looks like that from space.

This reef seemed to have more life to it. I’m wondering if that’s because the statue area is more popular? Because we essentially had this reef to ourselves. I can’t verify if that’s the case for the morning tours though, but when we got out to Horseshoe Reef, we were the only ones exploring it.

While sharks can be spotted on this reef, I didn’t see any. I really only saw various types of fish including barracuda, but it’s the ocean so anything is possible! We spent the same amount of time exploring this reef before we headed back to the dock.

Overall, this tour was great! It was well organized and well equipped! They take care of everything and give you plenty of time to explore the reef.

If you’re looking for ideas on what to do in Miami, check out 33+ Ideas for What to Do in Miami (Beaches, Neighborhoods & Hidden Gems) or if you prefer an itinerary approach this article is for you: 4 Days in Miami: The Perfect Itinerary With Beaches, Culture & Day Trips.

How to Get to Key Largo

The best way to get to Key Largo is to rent a car! You can get away without renting a car in some major U.S. cities, however, in Miami you would need a car or rideshare. Since the Florida Keys are an hour and a half away, renting a car is recommended!

Miami could feel intimidating, but once you are South, the driving is easier. In the Keys, the roads tend to be two lanes, with the occasional four lanes, but overall, it’s much more straightforward. If you’re planning 4 days in Miami, it’s easy to add a day trip for snorkeling in Key Largo.

There are tours that offer transport from Miami to Key West and if driving is simply not for you, then this would be the most cost effective option, but it goes to Key West. However, I think having the freedom of a car rental is the best way to go!

Taking a Bus to Key Largo

If you don’t want to drive, you can take a bus from Miami to Key Largo. The Key West Transit (formerly Greyhound Keys Express) and Monroe County Public Transit both offer service along the Overseas Highway, with stops in Key Largo.

Travel time is roughly 1.5–3 hours, depending on the route and stops. Buses are affordable and a good option if you don’t want to rent a car, but keep in mind that public transit schedules are limited, and this would make a much longer day trip if a direct bus route isn’t available!

Once in Key Largo, local taxis, rideshares, or shuttle services can get you from the bus stop to your hotel or the snorkeling tour departure point.

Nearest Airports to Key Largo

The closest major airport to Key Largo is Miami International Airport (MIA), about 60 miles north of Key Largo, which takes roughly 1.5 hours by car. Flying into Miami gives you the most flexibility for renting a car and exploring South Florida and the Keys.

Another option is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), about 90 miles north, which takes around 2 hours by car. Both airports have a wide selection of rental cars, making it easy to drive down to Key Largo.

While Key West International Airport (EYW) is technically in the Keys, it’s about 100 miles south of Key Largo, and requires a 2.5–3 hour drive north. Because of the distance, flying into Key West is generally only convenient if you’re planning to visit Key West first and then drive north through the Keys.

Once you arrive in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, renting a car is the easiest way to get to Key Largo and gives you freedom to explore the islands at your own pace.

Need a Miami itinerary? Check out 4 Days in Miami: The Perfect Itinerary With Beaches, Culture & Day Trips.